From Pastor Jerry
In 1970 a small church between Warren and Hermitage, Arkansas called me to be their pastor. My concepts of ministry to say the least were fuzzy. But I thought that anyone could learn to be a successful pastor. I was fifteen and I believed in education, training, and discipline. And I believed in God.
Growing up in a Baptist home in Fordyce, AR. my mom and teachers encouraged me to adopt lofty goals. Preaching sermons to Blacks, Hispanics, and Gays was not one of them. My mother's, my Aunt Jean's, my sister Terri's, and my cousin Jan's spiritual journeys helped shape my own. Actually, I never doubted the worthwhileness of building churches. I did doubt, every Sunday night, my qualifications for this assignment. Rick Alford, a former Baptist music director and eventually White Rock Community (Pastor Cook's first gay church, which he founded and grew to 800 members) Church's Minister of Music, whose tradition was identical to mine, said: "Well Jerry, if they'd invited Jesus to preach, they'd have gotten someone like you; A preacher for a misunderstood cause, raised in a good Christian home, with strong convictions and great sympathy for the lepers of your day."
As I now have passed my fortieth year of church building and pastoring, the Lord has brought me home to Arkansas, specifically to the Cathedral of Hope. I understand my life is rooted in the biblical perspective that human history is an unfolding drama which swings between aching grief and stunning grace. Grief and grace; like magnetic poles, pulsating throughout our lives.
So, I continue my journey to build a church of diversity, in which the rich and poor, gay and straight, families and individuals, sit side by side and worship the Creator. And I go forward, knowing with unshakable confidence that Jesus goes beside me to whom ever needs to learn God's love and sacrifice for them. While assuring all of; Hope, Faith, and Love. My telephone number is publicized everywhere; as well as my email address, so never hesitate, night or day, if you need me, to call. It truly is the desire of my heart.
His and Yours,
Jerry Cook
